A mobile gunner station

ABSTRACT

A mobile gunner station is disclosed herein. The mobile gunner station includes an automotive vehicle, a pivot, and a pod. The automotive vehicle has a fore-aft axis and a seat on board for accommodating a driver. The pivot is mounted on board the automotive vehicle. The pod is rotatably mounted on the pivot for accommodating a gunner.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/684,848, originally entitled “Rotating Rear Gunner Position and Shield on Vehicle,” which was filed on May 20, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to automotive vehicles. The present invention more particularly relates to automotive vehicles that are useful for military applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are tanks that skid steer and have a turret internal to their structure for varying the direction of fire while traveling in directions other than the direction of fire, with the tank's armor protecting the vehicle operator or driver. In addition, there are turrets on standard steer vehicles that turn within the structure of the vehicle, with the gunner turret positioned at a distance from the vehicle operator. Furthermore, there are soldier gunner positions on vehicles that allow a soldier gunner to fire in a variety of directions, including firing a gun that is centrally mounted on the vehicle. When a gunner is on such a vehicle, he is generally situated in a fixed position, or within a turret where he is spinning within a structural hole defined within the vehicle, along with a weapons system mounted therein. In some cases, soldier gunner stations are fitted with ballistic shielding that is pivotally mounted to move with the gunner and with the turret for thereby protecting the soldier gunner while he varies the direction of his fire. Still further, there are also vehicles with gun mounts situated on their roofs, generally above a vehicle operator's seated position, which allow a gunner on the roof to fire in the same direction as the vehicle driver is facing, or in the direction the passenger next to the driver may be firing.

On a small compact vehicle with both a vehicle operator (i.e., driver) and a gunner, the gunner's ability to successfully maneuver in order to freely fire to the left side, to the right side, to the rear, and to the front, and to do so while protecting the operator and without distracting the operator, is generally restricted due to lack of onboard space for such maneuvering and positioning relative to the vehicle operator.

In some vehicle configurations, an onboard gunner has a designated position with ballistic shielding surrounding him. In such configurations, however, if an onboard gunner must move so as to fire in an opposite direction, the shielding generally does not move with him, thereby leaving the gunner to fire from an unprotected position and exposed to possible enemy fire. In view of such, it would be desirable and advantageous to develop a vehicle configuration with a designated gunner's position therein that shields a gunner's body from possible enemy fire while at the same time permitting the gunner to selectively situate himself in a variety of possible positions for wide-range firing in various different directions.

There are various vehicles known in the industry that have agile steering capabilities referred to as spin-steer, skid-steer, or zero-turn steering. On a spin-steer vehicle, for example, if the person driving the vehicle is generally not situated or positioned on the vehicle's turning center of rotation, that person will experience an outward-pulling force during any quick turning of the vehicle due to the rotational moment of inertia of their position relative to the vehicle's center of rotation. Therefore, as spin-steer vehicles and the like gain more popularity and use in weapons platforms due to their characteristic turning agility and desirable maneuverability, it would be desirable to have both the vehicle operator (i.e., driver) and the gunner onboard any such vehicle to be situated as close as possible to the vehicle's turning center of rotation for stability and balance. Furthermore, it would also be desirable and advantageous for an onboard soldier gunner and a vehicle operator to both be protected while working in concert with overlapping required roles of gunner positioning and firing independence and also operator driving and gunning independence as well.

In view of the above, there is a present need in the art for a gunner vehicle that (1) accommodates both a soldier gunner and a vehicle operator, (2) enables the gunner and operator to both be situated in close proximity to the vehicle's turning center of rotation during vehicle steering maneuvers, (3) enables the gunner to fire in any desired direction independent from the vehicle's direction of travel, (4) generally provides continuous ballistics protection to both the gunner and operator during vehicle operation, and (5) provides ready access to all gear, weapons, and ammunition onboard the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a mobile gunner station. In one practicable embodiment, the mobile gunner station includes an automotive vehicle, a pivot, and a pod. The automotive vehicle has a fore-aft axis and a seat on board for accommodating a driver. The pivot is mounted on board the automotive vehicle. The pod is rotatably mounted on the pivot for accommodating a gunner.

Furthermore, it is believed that various other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the detailed description of the best mode(s) contemplated for practicing the present invention, as set forth hereinbelow, is reviewed in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described hereinbelow, by way of example, with reference to the following drawing figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a mobile gunner station. In this view, the mobile gunner station is shown to include an automotive vehicle with a rotatable gunner pod adapted for use in military conflict with weapons.

FIG. 2 illustrates a frontal view of the mobile gunner station depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates another frontal view of the mobile gunner station depicted in FIG. 1. In this view, the gunner pod is rotated approximately 90 degrees to the right for thereby enabling a gunner (i.e., soldier) to fire to the right side of the automotive vehicle and also shield a vehicle driver (i.e., another soldier) from any enemy fire that may come from the unguarded left side of the vehicle.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the mobile gunner station depicted in FIG. 1. In this view, the gunner pod is rotated so as to be facing forward for thereby enabling the gunner to fire in the vehicle's direction of travel and also shield the vehicle driver from any enemy fire that may come from the unguarded rear of the vehicle.

FIG. 5 illustrates another top view of the mobile gunner station depicted in FIG. 1. In this view, the gunner pod is alternatively rotated approximately 90 degrees to the left for thereby enabling the gunner to fire to the left side of the automotive vehicle and also shield the vehicle driver from any enemy fire that may come from the unguarded right side of the vehicle.

FIG. 6 illustrates another side view of the mobile gunner station depicted in FIG. 1. In this view, the gunner pod is rotated approximately 180 degrees to the back for thereby enabling the gunner to fire to the rear of the automotive vehicle. As highlighted in this view, the gunner pod includes a hinge for enabling the lower section of the pod to be adjusted upward so that the gunner is in a generally prone position. In this way, the vehicle driver is able to see forward for both driving and firing a weapon while also being shielded from any enemy fire that may come from a high angle toward the front of the vehicle.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan diagram of the mobile gunner station depicted in FIG. 1. In this diagram, proximity of the automotive vehicle's driver seat, the gunner pod's axis of rotation, and the vehicle's turning center of rotation is highlighted, as well as their general alignment along the vehicle's fore-aft axis.

LIST OF PARTS AND FEATURES

To facilitate a proper understanding of the present invention, a list of parts and features highlighted with alphanumeric designations in FIGS. 1 through 7 is set forth hereinbelow.

-   10 mobile gunner station -   12 automotive vehicle -   14 fore-aft axis (of automotive vehicle) -   16 operator or driver (of automotive vehicle) -   18 pivot -   20 axis of rotation (of pod on pivot) -   22 pod (for gunner) -   24 gunner -   26 seat (for driver) -   28 shielding -   30 manipulable controls (in pod) -   32 upper section (of pod) -   34 lower section (of pod) -   36 hinge (of pod) -   38 turning center of rotation (of automotive vehicle) -   40 front (of automotive vehicle) -   42 back (of automotive vehicle) -   44 axis of rotation (of rear wheels) -   46 left front wheel -   48 right front wheel -   50 cockpit (for driver) -   52 left rear wheel -   54 right rear wheel

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a military vehicle whereon it is desired to station both a soldier gunner and a soldier driver. Onboard the vehicle, the gunner is preferably able to position himself for firing in various different directions relative to the forward movement of the vehicle while, at the same time, protecting both himself and the driver from enemy fire that may come from directions other than those which the gunner and driver are firing or looking.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one practicable embodiment of a mobile gunner station 10 pursuant to the present invention. As shown in this view, the mobile gunner station 10 includes an automotive vehicle 12, a pivot 18, and a pod 22. The automotive vehicle 12 has a fore-aft axis 14 and a seat 26 on board for accommodating an operator or driver 16. The pivot 18 has an associated axis of rotation 20 and is mounted on board the automotive vehicle 12. The pod 22 is rotatably mounted on the pivot 18 and is adapted for accommodating a gunner 24.

Although more conventionally steered automotive vehicles may alternatively be incorporated in a mobile gunner station pursuant to the present invention, the automotive vehicle 12 included in the mobile gunner station 10 of FIG. 1 is preferably a spin-steer vehicle, a skid-steer vehicle, or a zero-turn vehicle for increased steering maneuverability. As such, the automotive vehicle 12 has a characteristic turning center of rotation 38 that is substantially aligned with the fore-aft axis 14 of the vehicle 12, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 7.

To help minimize centrifugal forces and thereby facilitate overall balance and stability, both the driver seat 26 and the pod-mounting pivot 18 are preferably located proximate to the turning center of rotation 38 of the automotive vehicle 12, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 7. Furthermore, to facilitate lateral balance and stability, both the seat 26 and the pivot 18 are preferably substantially aligned with the central fore-aft axis 14 of the automotive vehicle 12 as well, with the seat 26 located in front of the pivot 18, as also shown in FIGS. 1 and 7.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate frontal views of the mobile gunner station 10 depicted in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the pod 22 is facing toward the front 40 of the automotive vehicle 12. In FIG. 3, the pod 22 is alternatively rotated approximately 90 degrees so as to face the right of the vehicle 12. In this configuration, the gunner 24 is able to fire to the right side of the automotive vehicle 12 and also shield the driver 16 from any enemy fire that may come from the unguarded left side of the vehicle 12. Though a pod in a mobile gunner station pursuant to the present invention may alternatively be rotated by manual means, the pod 22 included in the mobile gunner station 10 of FIGS. 1 through 3 is preferably rotated via onboard powered means such as an electric actuator (for example, an electric linear motor), a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a combination thereof. To control powered rotation of the pod 22 in this manner, the pod 22 includes manipulable controls 30 located therein for the gunner 24 to selectively operate. In other possible embodiments, the pod 22 may instead be rotated via controls alternatively located in the driver's cockpit 50. Once the pod 22 is rotated as desired, the pod 22 can be retained in position with a latch or locking mechanism included in the controls 30.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate top views of the mobile gunner station 10 depicted in FIG. 1. In FIG. 4, the pod 22 is rotated so as to be facing forward. In this configuration, the gunner 24 is able to fire in the vehicle's direction of travel and also shield the driver 16 from any enemy fire that may come from the back 42 of the vehicle 12. In FIG. 5, the pod 22 is alternatively rotated approximately 90 degrees so as to face the left of the vehicle 12. In this configuration, the gunner 24 is able to fire to the left side of the automotive vehicle 12 and also shield the driver 16 from any enemy fire that may come from the unguarded right side of the vehicle 12.

FIG. 6 illustrates another side view of the mobile gunner station 10 depicted in FIG. 1. In FIG. 6, the pod 22 is alternatively rotated approximately 180 degrees so as to face the back 42 of the vehicle 12. In this configuration, the gunner 24 is able to fire toward the back 42 of the automotive vehicle 12. As highlighted in this view, the pod 22 itself preferably includes an upper section 32, a lower section 34, and a hinge 36, which adjustably connects the lower section 34 of the pod 22 to the upper section 32. With the pod 22 constructed as such, the lower section 34 of the pod 22 can be adjusted upward so that the gunner 24 is moved from a generally standing position to a generally prone position, as shown in FIG. 6. In this way, the pod 22 along with the gunner 24 can be rotated and positioned above the driver's seat 26 while still enabling the driver 16 to see forward for purposes of driving and/or firing a weapon. Furthermore, with the pod 22 rotated and positioned as such, the driver 16 is also largely shielded from any enemy fire that may come from a high angle toward the front 40 of the vehicle 12. Though the hinge and lower section of a pod in a mobile gunner station pursuant to the present invention may alternatively be adjusted by manual means, the hinge 36 and lower section 34 of the pod 22 included in the mobile gunner station 10 of FIGS. 1 through 6 is preferably adjusted via onboard powered means such as, for example, a cam-lift actuator, an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or a combination thereof. To control powered adjustment of the hinge 36 and lower section 34 of the pod 22 in this manner, the gunner 24 can selectively manipulate the controls 30 located in the pod 22. In other possible embodiments, the hinge 36 and lower section 34 of the pod 22 may instead be adjusted via controls alternatively located in the driver's cockpit 50. Once both the hinge 36 and lower section 34 of the pod 22 are adjusted as desired, the pod 22 can be retained in position with a latch or locking mechanism included in the controls 30.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan diagram of the mobile gunner station 10 depicted in FIG. 1. In this diagram, proximity of the automotive vehicle's driver seat 26, the gunner pod's axis of rotation 20, and the vehicle's turning center of rotation 38 is highlighted, as well as their general alignment along the vehicle's fore-aft axis 14. As alluded to hereinabove, such positioning and alignment helps facilitate balance and stability during operation and use of the mobile gunner station 10.

To help protect both the gunner 24 and driver 16 during operation and use of the mobile gunner station 10 during a military conflict, the pod 22 itself preferably includes one or more sections of shielding 28. Such shielding 28 is generally constructed from material that is substantially bulletproof or resistant to ballistics and weapons fire. Constructed as such, the pod 22 is thereby utile as a rotatable and adjustable shield structure that can generally be positioned about the automotive vehicle 12 as desired so as to help protect both the gunner 24 and driver 16 from enemy fire. In addition to protecting the gunner 24 and driver 16, the pod 22 also serves to help protect any weapons, ammunition, reserve gasoline tanks, radios, gear, supplies, water, or food rations that may be retained within a cargo hold in the driver's cockpit 50. To enable the gunner 24 to board the pod 22 and also get off the pod 22, one or more sections of the shielding 28 have means for being selectively pivoted between open and closed positions such as in, for example, the manner of a clamshell. Furthermore, the sections of shielding 28 are also preferably openable and closable while the gunner 24 is onboard the pod 22 so as to permit the gunner 24 to selectively fire in various different directions during conflict.

A rotatably mounted gunner pod pursuant to the present invention is generally able to carry, for example, weapon mounts, soldier gear, communications equipment, water, and ammunition and shield such while at the same time also protecting the gunner from enemy fire that may possibly originate from various different directions about the gunner. The rotatable soldier pod is generally centrally mounted on the automotive vehicle so that the soldier gunner can position himself near the rotational center of the vehicle, generally both above and behind the vehicle operator, and also rotate about the vehicle operator, thereby allowing independent weapons operation by both the soldier gunner and the soldier vehicle operator while both are located on the vehicle. In this way, both the gunner and operator are in positions of minimum rotational moment of inertia relative to the vehicle's spin-steer effects.

Such a configuration provides a pivoting system that carries ballistic shielding for the soldier gunner while also providing shielding effects for the vehicle operator from any enemy fire coming from a direction not faced by either the vehicle operator or the rotationally mounted soldier gunner in the rotatable pod. It is to be understood that activation of the variable positioning of the rotationally mounted soldier pod may be effected by a variety of methods and that such activation and direction of the soldier pod can be independent of the direction of vehicle travel and independent of the vehicle operator's operation of the vehicle. In addition, it is also to be understood that activation of the variable positioning of the rotationally mounted soldier pod may be effected by the soldier gunner so as to engage targets at the soldier gunner's discretion and that operation of the vehicle may be independent of the soldier gunner's direction. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the soldier gunner may be the vehicle operator, or the vehicle may be operated by a remote operator, with remote weapons systems employed in the place of the normal operator position of the vehicle, and with such weapons being operated either by the soldier gunner from a position in the soldier pod, or by a remote operator.

In an alternative embodiment of a mobile gunner station pursuant to the present invention, the soldier gunner pod may be structurally adapted in order to provide the soldier gunner the opportunity to stand on a lower deck below the pod so that he is not positioned in the highest position within the pod, such a design thereby allowing a progressive step of entry to the pod and partial ballistics shielding when standing in this lower position with the soldier gunner's upper body generally within the pod.

In another possible embodiment, the vehicle carrying the soldier gunner pod might be adapted so as be driven via remote control operation without driving assistance being provided by the soldier gunner onboard the vehicle.

In another possible embodiment, the vehicle carrying the soldier gunner pod might be equipped with a remote weapons system that is installed in the soldier gunner pod and remotely operated.

In another possible embodiment, the vehicle may be structurally adapted so that the soldier gunner may drive the vehicle via controls in the pod and so that other guns on the vehicle may be remotely operated.

In another possible embodiment, the vehicle may be structurally adapted so that the soldier gunner may operate (i.e., drive) the vehicle and also man the primary weapons of the vehicle, generally shifting between prone and standing positions so as to provide enemies with only a small target in a given threat scenario.

In still other possible embodiments, the sections of shielding on the pod may alternatively be hinged together as one unit, hinged as multiple units, or be slidable. Furthermore, one or more sections of the shielding may even be removable so as to provide protective cover for the gunner or vehicle driver should one or both need to abandon the vehicle while under fire during conflict.

In general, a system for providing a shielded pod position for a soldier gunner on a vehicle so that the soldier gunner may vary the direction of his fire while also maintaining a consistent level of protection for the gunner and driver and while also maintaining access to onboard weapons, ammunition, radios, and like gear is provided herein. The soldier gunner pod is rotationally pivoted about an axis generally centrally located on the vehicle, thereby allowing the pod to pivot about the vehicle and the vehicle operator generally via the vehicle's center of balance and rotational center of inertia, and thereby also allowing the soldier gunner to engage fire in various different directions while not impeding the vehicle operator's line of sight or the operator's line of weapons fire. Such a soldier gunner pod also optionally works in concert with remote weapons systems, wherein the soldier gunner in the variably positioned pod may or may not be the driver of the vehicle.

While the present invention has been described in what are presently considered to be its most practical and preferred embodiments or implementations, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed hereinabove. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims appended hereinbelow, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as are permitted under the law. 

1. A mobile gunner station comprising: an automotive vehicle having a fore-aft axis and a seat on board for accommodating a driver; a pivot mounted on board said automotive vehicle; and a pod rotatably mounted on said pivot for accommodating a gunner.
 2. A mobile gunner station according to claim 1, wherein said driver seat is substantially aligned with said fore-aft axis.
 3. A mobile gunner station according to claim 1, wherein said pivot is substantially aligned with said fore-aft axis.
 4. A mobile gunner station according to claim 1, wherein both said driver seat and said pivot are substantially aligned with said fore-aft axis.
 5. A mobile gunner station according to claim 4, wherein said driver seat is located in front of said pivot.
 6. A mobile gunner station according to claim 1, wherein said gunner pod includes at least one section of shielding comprising material that is substantially bulletproof.
 7. A mobile gunner station according to claim 1, wherein said gunner pod includes at least one means for powered rotation selected from the group consisting of an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, and a pneumatic actuator.
 8. A mobile gunner station according to claim 1, wherein said gunner pod includes manipulable controls for selectively rotating and positioning said pod on said pivot.
 9. A mobile gunner station according to claim 1, wherein said gunner pod includes an upper section, a lower section, and a hinge adjustably connecting said lower section to said upper section.
 10. A mobile gunner station comprising: an automotive vehicle having a fore-aft axis, a seat on board for accommodating a driver, and a turning center of rotation that is substantially aligned with said fore-aft axis; a pivot mounted on board said automotive vehicle; and a pod rotatably mounted on said pivot for accommodating a gunner.
 11. A mobile gunner station according to claim 10, wherein said automotive vehicle is a type of vehicle selected from the group consisting of a spin-steer vehicle, a skid-steer vehicle, and a zero-turn vehicle.
 12. A mobile gunner station according to claim 10, wherein said driver seat is substantially aligned with said fore-aft axis.
 13. A mobile gunner station according to claim 10, wherein said driver seat is located proximate to said turning center of rotation of said automotive vehicle.
 14. A mobile gunner station according to claim 10, wherein said pivot is substantially aligned with said fore-aft axis.
 15. A mobile gunner station according to claim 10, wherein said pivot is located proximate to said turning center of rotation of said automotive vehicle.
 16. A mobile gunner station according to claim 10, wherein both said driver seat and said pivot are substantially aligned with said fore-aft axis.
 17. A mobile gunner station according to claim 16, wherein said driver seat is located in front of said pivot.
 18. A mobile gunner station according to claim 10, wherein both said driver seat and said pivot are located proximate to said turning center of rotation of said automotive vehicle.
 19. A mobile gunner station according to claim 18, wherein said gunner pod includes means for rotation above said driver seat.
 20. A mobile gunner station comprising: an automotive vehicle having a fore-aft axis, a seat on board for accommodating a driver, and a turning center of rotation that is substantially aligned with said fore-aft axis; a pivot mounted on board said automotive vehicle; and a pod rotatably mounted on said pivot for accommodating a gunner; wherein both said driver seat and said pivot are substantially aligned with said fore-aft axis, said seat is located in front of said pivot, and both said seat and said pivot are located proximate to said turning center of rotation of said automotive vehicle. 